“People are looking for a reason to go out, and it’s a great way for businesses to kick off our spring season,” Martinez said.

For traditional Irish spots, like De Vere’s Irish Pub in Downtown Sacramento and Davis, this is the busiest day of the year.

“It’s a huge boost, you’re busy all day,” said Henry De Vere White, owner of De Vere’s. “Every bar in the world would love to be busy from the minute they open to the minute they close.”

Of course, this means, long waits at the bar, limited seating and a limited menu – but De Vere White said they will have “freshest kegs of Guinness you’ll ever taste.”

Many St. Patrick’s Day fans in Sacramento might remember giant block parties hosted by De Vere’s in years past. There will be no street closures this year.

“It’s a very expensive party and the liability is huge,” he said. “The regulations are there for public safety – and unfortunately that’s just really expensive. We would love to do it again, but that’s just a big risk for this family business to take on.”

Even though they aren’t shutting down the street, as in years past, De Vere’s will have lots of corned beef and cabbage and they’re anticipating huge crowds. It’s still De Vere White’s favorite time of year.

“The best part of St. Patrick’s Day is raising a pint with your friends, whether you’re Irish or not.”

With all the focus on beer drinking you’d expect there to be heightened police presence on the streets that day. Not so much, according to Sacramento Police Department Public Information Officer, Doug Morse. He says police staffing levels will be normal and no businesses have requested extra patrols.

While drunk driving is always a concern, Morse said they’ll be ready for anything that happens come St. Patrick’s Day.

“We would hope that people don’t over indulge,” Morse said. “Sacramento is a great place to recreate and enjoy the holiday and we hope people have a great time.”

St. Patrick's Day Celebrations

Capital Pubilc Radio's Andrew Nixon went down to De Vere's to document the action, you can see more photos and follow the CapRadio Frame's tumblr here.

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